Respiratory Care Technology

(Jackson County Campus)

Fall Entry

The Respiratory Care Technology Program is a two-year program that prepares the individual to become a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Respiratory Care Practitioners are responsible for initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation along with the setup and monitoring of life support systems. In addition, Respiratory Care Practitioners provide treatment for heart and lung disorders by administering inhalation treatments, oxygen and drugs.  These individuals are also trained to perform diagnostic tests that aid in determining the presence and extent of cardiopulmonary disease. Respiratory Care Practitioners conduct pulmonary function studies, obtain and analyze blood samples and perform electrocardiograms, exercise stress tests and sleep studies.

Upon completion of the Respiratory Care Technology program, candidates may take the National Board for Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Exam. If students achieve the low-cut score, they will receive the CRT credential. The student would then need to retake the TMC to achieve the high-cut score to be eligible to take the CSE.  Upon passing this TMC at the high-cut score, candidates may take the NBRC Clinical Simulation Exam. Upon passing the CSE, students will receive the RRT credential.

The MGCCC RCT Program, (CoARC program #200627), Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree, at MGCCC Jackson County Campus holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).  This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit), to be allowed to admit students.  It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s).  The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.

Most state require a license to practice respiratory care that must be applied for after successful program completion.

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690
(817) 283-2835
www.coarc.com

Review NC-SARA: Accepted College Licensure or Certifications by Educational Program & State to learn what states outside of Mississippi accept the licensure that can be obtained by completion of these programs.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Respiratory Care Technology program is to provide an outstanding learning environment supported by excellent instruction and support services in order to produce competent, registry-eligible respiratory therapy graduates. The program will prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapist (RRT’s).

RCT Program Goals

The goals of the Respiratory Care Technology Program include:

1. To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge). Psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).
2. To prepare graduates who are knowledgeable, clinically competent, and skilled in taking care of cardiopulmonary patients as performed by registered respiratory therapists.
3. To prepare students as competent and safe respiratory care practitioners capable of functioning in a variety of health care settings.
4. To provide the Mississippi Gulf Coast area with qualified practitioners to meet demonstrated market need.
5. To prepare students who will develop the proper attitude and level of professionalism necessary to maintain the ethical standard of respiratory care.
6. To provide students with the fundamental knowledge, skills and courses to foster further academic advancement and leadership roles in respiratory care.

Admission Procedure

1. Make application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
2. Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed by the Office of Admission for determination of course credits.
3. Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
4. After successful completion and submission of ALL academic and entry requirements (See section below), the student is eligible to complete the Respiratory Care Technology Supplemental Application for Program Admission.                                                    

Fall Semester Application Submission:
Between April 15th and July 1st complete and submit the online Supplemental Application.                                        

To complete and submit the online Supplemental Application:

1. Visit Web Services
2. Select Student
3. Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application.                   

Thereafter, the applicant MUST read the guidelines carefully.  In order to complete and submit the application, college admission and ALL pre-requisite requirements are required.

Supplemental Application Deadline Dates:  Fall semester - July 1 (If deadline falls on a weekend, holiday, or closing, the deadline is 5 p.m. on the next college business day). ALL required test scores, transcripts, and entry items (CBC, pre-orientation, etc.) must be completed with results placed in Banner (MGCCC’s computer information system) by the appropriate college employee prior to the deadline. In addition, any outstanding college holds must be clear in order for the applicant to complete and submit the supplemental program application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  (MGCCC reserves the right to review additional supplemental applications following the posted deadline).

Academic and Entry Requirements

• Achieve a minimum Composite ACT Score of 18
• Have a minimum cumulative (GPA) of 2.5 on college work with no grade less than “C” on any Academic Core* courses in the current RCT curriculum. (Courses may be re-taken and highest score will be used)
• Complete prerequisite courses BIO 2514 - Anatomy and Physiology I Lec/Lab & BIO 2524 - Anatomy and Physiology II Lec/Lab
• Review the online mandatory Pre-School of Nursing and Health Professions Orientation Session prior to completing the supplemental application for program ranking.  The session can be viewed anytime and anywhere you have access to the internet.  The Power Point presentation gives you valuable information on topics common to all School of Nursing and Health Professions programs at MGCCC.   Even without the ability to speak directly or interact immediately with a School of Nursing and Health Professions advisor, the session speaks to frequently asked questions from program entrance to completion.  In order to receive credit for viewing the session, follow the steps below.  The information is approximately one (1) hour in length.                                                         

To complete this requirement, do the following:

1. Visit Web Services
2. Select Student
3. Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application Orientation Session                                                                                
4. In order to receive credit, you must review the entire session
5. Click survey complete so that your log-in information will be recorded in the college’s BANNER system

• Comply with Mississippi law requiring a Criminal Background History Check with Fingerprinting through the Mississippi Department of Health. All students making application to a School of Nursing and Health Professions program at MGCCC are required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police Department at HC, JC, Perkinston, or GC Campus.  The criminal background check policy (including testing dates and times) can be viewed at: School of Nursing and Health Professions Criminal Background Check Policy  

Selection Process

Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission; applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. Student ranking for entry into the Respiratory Care Technology program is based on the GPA, and the ACT composite. Program enrollment is a floating number which can fluctuate each year based on availability of clinical rotation slots. Students are selected according to the following criteria:

• Academic Core GPA – 20%
• Cumulative GPA – 40%
• ACT Composite – 40%

Respiratory Care Technology Program Policies

• All students are required to submit to substance testing in accordance with the substance testing policy and procedures for the School of Nursing and Health Professions.  The testing policy can be viewed by clicking here: School of Nursing and Health Professions Substance Testing Policy  
• The School of Nursing and Health Professions requires proof of Immunizations and/or CPR. Submission of all required documents will begin following program acceptance. Failure to meet the requirements will result in withdrawal/dismissal.
• Upon admission to the Respiratory Care Technology Program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on the required courses and complete each course with a C or better.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. hospital orientation, HIPPA training, CPR certification).
• The School of Nursing and Health Professions Student Manual can be viewed here  

Respiratory Care Technology Program Expenses – Non Refundable (cost may be subject to change)

Prior to Entering Program

• Criminal Background Check $65 - $80 (MGCCC Campus Police)

Once Admitted into Program

• General MGCCC Tuition and Fees
• Career and Technical Program Fee $40 per credit hour
• Pre-admission Physical Exam and Immunizations $200 - $300                                           
• Books $1000 - $1200 (plus rental fees, if applicable)                                                                
• Substance Testing $29 -$35 per semester                        
• Liability Insurance $12 -$15 per semester
• Additional purchase items, supplies $50 - $100                 
• Uniform, Accessories $200 - $300
• National Board Exam Application Fee $200 - $400
• Trajecsys (Clinical Competency Program) $150
• Kettering Comprehensive Respiratory Seminar $325
• Secure Comprehensive TMC Self-Assessment Examination $50

Costs may be subject to change.